The phrase “be entitled to + noun” is a crucial grammatical structure that often appears in IELTS exams. Understanding its usage can significantly enhance your performance across all sections of the test. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to use it effectively in your IELTS preparation and exam.
Understanding “Be Entitled to + Noun”
The structure “be entitled to + noun” is used to express a legal right or a justifiable claim to something. It’s commonly found in formal contexts, making it particularly relevant for the IELTS exam, especially in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3, where discussing rights and entitlements is often required.
Examples:
- “All citizens are entitled to free healthcare in this country.”
- “Employees are entitled to paid annual leave after one year of service.”
- “Students are entitled to a discount on public transport.”
In these sentences, the structure clearly indicates a right or benefit that is granted to a specific group of people.
Grammar and Usage
Formula and Syntax
The basic formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + entitled to + [noun/noun phrase]
It’s important to note that the verb “be” should agree with the subject in tense and number. The noun or noun phrase following “entitled to” represents the right or benefit being discussed.
Application in IELTS Sections
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IELTS Writing Task 2:
When discussing social issues, rights, or government policies, this structure can be invaluable. For example:“In my opinion, all workers should be entitled to a living wage, as this would contribute to reducing income inequality.”
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IELTS Speaking Part 3:
When asked about societal norms or legal rights, you can use this structure to express your views:“I believe that in a democratic society, every citizen is entitled to freedom of speech, even if their views are controversial.”
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IELTS Reading:
You might encounter this structure in passages about laws, human rights, or employment conditions. Understanding it will help you answer detail and inference questions accurately. -
IELTS Listening:
In sections discussing workplace policies or civic rights, this phrase might be used. Being familiar with it will help you identify key information quickly.
Sample Responses and Band Score Analysis
Writing Task 2 Sample (Band 8-9)
Question: Some people believe that higher education should be free for all. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Partial response:
“While there are valid arguments on both sides, I firmly believe that all qualified individuals should be entitled to free higher education. This entitlement would not only promote equal opportunities but also foster a more educated and skilled workforce. For instance, many talented students from low-income backgrounds are entitled to scholarships, but a universal system would eliminate the need for competitive selection processes.”
Analysis: This response uses “be entitled to” twice, demonstrating a high level of grammatical range and accuracy. The first usage suggests a proposed policy, while the second refers to an existing system, showcasing the candidate’s ability to use the structure flexibly.
Speaking Part 3 Sample (Band 7-8)
Question: What rights do you think workers should have?
Response: “I strongly believe that all workers should be entitled to fair compensation and safe working conditions. Additionally, they should be entitled to regular breaks and paid time off. In many countries, employees are entitled to form unions to protect their rights, which I think is crucial for maintaining a balance between employers’ interests and workers’ well-being.”
Analysis: This response uses the structure three times, each time with a different subject-verb agreement, demonstrating good control over the grammar. The candidate also shows an ability to discuss abstract concepts related to workers’ rights, which is characteristic of higher band scores.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect verb agreement:
Incorrect: “The employee entitled to a raise.”
Correct: “The employee is entitled to a raise.” -
Using “of” instead of “to”:
Incorrect: “We are entitled of free speech.”
Correct: “We are entitled to free speech.” -
Following with a verb instead of a noun:
Incorrect: “Citizens are entitled to vote in elections.”
Correct: “Citizens are entitled to the right to vote in elections.” -
Overuse or inappropriate context:
Be cautious not to use this structure for every right or benefit. It’s most appropriate for formal, legally established rights.
Conclusion
Mastering the “be entitled to + noun” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing and Speaking sections. Remember to use it appropriately in formal contexts, ensure proper subject-verb agreement, and follow it with a noun or noun phrase. Practice using this structure in various contexts related to rights, benefits, and social policies to improve your fluency and accuracy. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider how you might incorporate this phrase into discussions about education rights, workplace benefits, or civil liberties.
For further practice, try using this structure in essays about universal basic income, environmental protection laws, or digital privacy rights – all topics that could potentially appear in an IELTS exam.